“(Alms are) for the poor who are confined in the way of Allah– they cannot go about in the land; the ignorant man thinks them to be rich on account of (their) abstaining (from begging); you can recognize them by their mark; they do not beg from men importunately; and whatever good thing you spend, surely Allah knows it.” [Al-Quran 2:273]
Zakat is the collection and distribution of compulsory donations from able individuals to the needy. Zakat is more than taxation, it is a way to redistribute wealth. In Islam, giving Zakat is considered a means of purifying one’s wealth and soul.
The UWMS Zakat committee consists of board members and volunteers. The committee meets regularly to review applications, and to allocate Zakat funds appropriately. The distributions are conducted according to Islamic principles while abiding by federal, state and local regulations for nonprofit organizations.
UWMS typically provides financial assistance at the individual level for essentials such as rent, utilities, addressing food insecurity, minor car repairs, and other emergent expenses to eligible members of our community.
